Ronald Belisario signs with Dodgers, avoids arbitration

Ronald Belisario had a tremendous comeback season for the Dodgers in 2012, and on Friday the relief pitcher was signed to a one-year, $1.45 million contract, avoiding salary arbitration, per Ken Gurnick of MLB.com.

Belisario was one of 133 players to file for salary arbitration on Tuesday, along with teammate A.J. Ellis. Friday was the day to exchange salary figures.

After reviewing comparable players to Belisario, I guessed a salary of $1.35 million.

Belisario missed all of 2011 unable to get a visa out of his native Venezuela, and began 2012 by serving a 25-game suspension for a positive cocaine test. But once he rejoined the Dodgers he was the most reliable member of the bullpen for the rest of the season.

In a team-leading 68 games in 2012, Belisario was 8-1 with a 2.54 ERA, with 69 strikeouts and 29 walks in 71 innings. Belisario also recorded one save. With two years, 151 days of service time, the right-hander was eligible for salary arbitration as a Super Two, in the top 22% of players with between two and three years of service time.

Belisario can also earn an additional $50,000 for 70 games pitched, per Gurnick. Belisario pitched in 68 games in 2012 after serving a 25-game suspension to start the season.